Dyeing-machine.



H. M. DUDLEY.

nvfme MACHINF.. APP-UCATION FILED ocT.l 9A |917` mr mms Perses co., mmm-Lm w., www am TTOR/VEY H. M. DULEY.

DYEING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED ocr. 291 1911.

Pated OCI. 1, 1918. 3 SHEETS-SHEET 2 0 Z m/ Q H. M. DUDLEY.

.l DYEING'MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED OCT. 29,1917- Patented Oct. 1, 1918.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

HWARD M. IDUDLEY, OF PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patentedct. i, i918.

Application filed October 29, 1917. Serial No. 198,920.

To all 'whom t may concern:

Be it known that I, HOWARD M. DUDLEY, a citizen of the UnitedStates, residing in the city of Philadelphia, county of Philadelphia, and State ofV Pennsylvania, have in vented certain new and useful Improvements in Dyeing-Machines, .of which the following' is a full, clear, and exact specification.

My invention relates to dyeing machines and refers particularly to machines suitable for the dyeing of'textile fibers, and like materials, by means of a circulating liquid.

One object of my invention Yis a device whereby textile fibers, especially Warp balls and similar forms, may be dyed evenly and uniformly While in a compressed condition.

Another object of my .invention is a device whereby a liquid may be passed uniformly and thoroughly through a series of compressed masses of fiber.

Another object of` my invention is a device whereby the formation of channels may be prevented while passing a liquid through a series of compressed masses of fiber.

Another object of my, invention is a device whereby the condition of the treated fiber may be determined without interrupting the process of treatment.

Another object of my invention is a device comprising a testing device whereby the condition of the treated fiber may be accurately ydetermined without opening the dyeing chamber. Y

These and other objects of the device of my 'invention will be evident upon a consideration of my specification, drawings' and claims. l

Great diiiiculty isexperienced vin obtaining even and uniform dyeings of textile fibers, especially warp balls and similar forms, in those machines in which the fiber is treated while under pressure to the action of a dyeing liquid. Under these conditions the liquid has a tendency to form channels or passages through the fiber, through which more liquid passes than through other portions of the fiber, thus causing uneven re* sults. It is evident that when fiber is compressed between two plates having openings with parallel sides, the liquid forced through the openings will beimpinged in a series of liquid columns against the fiber forcing itself therethrough in a series of channels, the intermediate portions of the'mass being less affected by the liquid. v

lt is further evident that unless the liquid pressure is absolutely equal upon all parts of the foraminous plates, more liquid will be Aforced through some of the holes than through others causing uneven dyeings.

It is further evident that an equal liquid `pressure must be maintained at all times over the entire fo aminous plate and whereby a uniform liquid pressure will be maintained throughout vthe `liber masses.

' In order to equalize the liquid pressure over the entire foraminous plate, I pass the liquid into a chamber containing a series of `battle plates distributed below the foraminous plate, thus distributing the liquid as Y evenly as possible; from this chamber the liquid passes through a foraminous plate, thus li=i'eaki1ig up any currents that have been formed, into a chamber from which it passes through a series of foraminous plates into the fiber masses. This chamber between the two sets of foraminous plates causes a complete equalization of the liquid pressure and allows an absolutely uniform and equal amount of liquid to pass through all portions of the fiber masses.

` In order to prevent the formation of channels through the masses due to the impinging of liquid columns upon the fiber, the foraminous plates of myrdevice upon which the fiber rests consist of a series of inwardly proj ecting members, thus'presenting a maximum of fiber surface to the action of the liquid and causing it to penetrate the masses in an equal and complete manner.

In order to maintain a uniform liquid pressure throughout the entire liber masses, the two series of foraminous plates of my device, between which the fiber is compressed, are exactly similar in construction, the exit ofthe liquid from the masses therefore being under the same conditions as its entrance into the masses.

By means of my testing device, the condition of the dyed fiber may be determined at any time without opening the dyeing chamber or interrupting the operation, the value of which device is evident.

I also provide means whereby the liquid may be passed in opposite directions through the liber when desired.

Having thus broadly described my invention; I give the following example of one form of my device.

In the particular form of my device shown in the accompanying drawings, similar parts are designa-ted by similar numerals Figure 1 is a side plan view partly in cross-section, the portion in cross-section being through the line 1-1 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 2 is a. cross-section through the line 2 2 oi Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a cross-section through the line 3^3 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a broken detail top plan view oi' one of the foraminous plates.

Fig. 5 is an end view of Fig. 4.

Fig. 6 is a broken top plan view of one of the foraminous plates. f

Fig. 7 is an end view or" Fig. 6.

Fig. 8 is an enlarged cross-section of a testing device.

The device of my invention, as illustrated, comprises a receptacle having the side wall 20, to a series of fiber chambers, Within which is a series of foraminous plates 21, 21, resting upon the annular oiiset 22 of the side wall 20. Spaced above `the plate 21, and supported therefrom by the annular member 23, is a series of oraminous plates 24, 24. The bottom 25 of the receptacle` contains a series of staggered baille plates 26, 26, 26. Within the extended portion of the bottom 25 is a series of conduits l28 28, 28 'formed by the partition members 29, 29, 29. Removable from and slidable within the receptacle a series oi' oraminous plates 30, 30. A removable top 31 contains a series of staggered baiiie plates 32, 32 and conduits and partition members similar to those in the bottom 25. The top 31 also carries a series oi? foraminous plates 36, 36. and the downwardly extended portions 37, 37 of the top are capable of abutment upon the plates 30, 30. Screw bolts 38, 38 passing through openings in the flange39 of the top 31 and threaded in the holes in the flange 40 of the wall 20 allow of the top being forced downwardly into the receptacle. Bolt eyes 41, 41 are inserted into the top 31 as a means for raising the top.

A testing tube, shown in cross-section in Fig. 8 is similar and proportionate to the larger'device and comprises the wall 42 and the foraminous plates 43, 44, 45 and 46 similar to the plates 36, 30, 24, and 2l.4 respectively. The threaded hollow members 47 and 48, threaded with the interior of the wall 42 enable the compression of 'the liber 101. The lower portion of the wall 42 is connected with the pipe 49 by means of the bushing 50. The pipe' 49 carries the valve 51 and is connected with the chamber 52 by means oil. the conduit ou. The upper portion of the wall 42 is connected with the pipe 54 by means of Athe bushing 55. The pipe F4 carries the valve 56 and is connected to the chamber 57 by the conduit 58. By means of the bushings 50 and 55, the testing device can be removed from the connection with the pipes 49 and 54 to allow ol charging the same or of examining the contents.

Plates 24 and 30,-as shown in Figs. 4 and 5, consist ci aseries of parallel bars 60, 60,

carrying inwardly eXtended pointed members 61, 61. v

Plates 21 and 36, as shown in Fig. 6, consist of a plate having circular openings 63, 63 therein.

The extended top member 35 is connected to the pipe 64 by-means of the flange coupling' 66. The pipe 64 carries the Vvalve 67 and is connected tothe discharge chamber of the pump 68 by means of the slide bushing 90.

The extended bottom member 27 is connected to the pipe 69, which carries the valve 70, and is connected to the discharge chambero` the pump 68.

The pipe. 71 connecting the pipes 64 and 69 carries the valves 72 and 73 and is connected with the pipe 74 emptying into the top of the reserve tank 75.

The bot/tom of the reserve 'tank is connected to the pipe 76, carrying the valve 77 and connected to the receiving chamber of the pump 68. A pipe 78 carrying the valve 79 connects a dissolving tank, not shown, with the receiving chamber of the pump 68. A pipe 80, carrying the valve 81 enters 'the bottom of tliejdevice.

The pump 68 is connected to a source of fresh water supply lby means of the pipe 94 carrying the valve 95.

The operation of the device is as i'ollows The Warp balls 100, ,100 are placed within the fiber chambers and upon the plates 24, 24. Plates 30, 30 are then placed upon the liber mass in the liber chambers, and the top 31 lowered into place. rilhe top 35 is connected to the pipe 64 by means of the coupling 66. The screwbolts 38, 38 are then in'sertedand screwed down, the members 37, 37 pressing the plates 30, 30 inwardly until the desired pressure is obtained upon the series of fiber masses, the pipe 64 sliding into the bushing 90. l The testing device is charged with the l'iber mass 101, and placed in position. All of the valves are closed with the exception of valves 79, 70, 51, 56 and 72, and the pump 68 started. The liquid thus passes from' the dissolving tank, not shown, through the pipe 78, the pump 68, the pipe 69, Vthe conduits28, `28, between the baiile plates 26, 26, through the plates 21, 21, the chamber 92, the plates 24, 24, the fiber chambers and the liber 100 therein, the `plates `30, v30,the`` chamber 57, the platos 36, 36

- and the various members within the top 31 into the reserve tank 75. When suflicient liquid has been introduced into the reserve tank, the valve 79 is closed and valve 77 opened, the liquid then having a continuous circulation in thel direction mentioned above. At the same time the liquid passes upwardly through the testing device and the liber 101 therein. IVhen it is desired to reverse the flow of the liquid, valves and 7 2 are closed and valves 67 and 7 3 are opened, thus allowing the liquid to pass in a reverse direction through the device. From time to time, as desired, the condition of the fiber in the testing device may be determined by closing valves 51 and 56 and removing the device as previously described. The liquid may be4 drained oli' through the pipe 80, and water may be introduced for washing the fiber by means of the pipe 9-1 carrying the valve 95.

-I do not limit myself to the particular size, shape, number or arrangement ofparts as described and shown, all of which may be varied without goingbeyond the scope of my invention as described and claimed.

llfhat I claim is l l. In a dyeing machine, in combination, a series of fiber chambers having imperforate sides; cach containing a foraminous bottom plate and a foraminous top plate, means for moving the foraminous top plate with respect to the foraminous bottom plate and `maintaining it in position, a foraminous plate spaced below the bottom plate, a foraminous plate spaced above the top plate; and means for forcing afliquid in either direction through the seriesof fiber chambers.

2. In a dyeing machine, in combination, a receptacle; a series of liber chambers within the receptacle each containing two fixed foraminous bottom `plates spaced from each other and two movable foraminous top plates spaced from each other, means for moving the top plates with respect to the ,bottom plates and for maintaining 4them-in position; a bottom to the receptacle, atop to the receptacle and means forforcing a liquid in either direction through the device.

3. `In a dyeing machine, in combination, a receptacle; a series of ber chambers within the receptacle each containing two fixed foraminous bottom plates spaced from each` other and two movable foraminous top plates spaced from each other, means for moving the top plates with respect to the bottom plates and maintaining them in position; a bottom to the receptacle, a series of conduits for the introduction of a liquid into the bottom, a top to the receptacle, a series of conduits for the introduction of a liquid into the top andY means for forcing a liquid in either direction through the device.

4.-. In a dyeing machine, in combination, a receptacle; a series of fiber chambers within the receptacle each containing two fixed foraminous bottom plates spaced from each other, and two movable' foraminous top plates spaced from each other, means for moving thetop plates with respect to the bottom plates and for maintaining them in position; a bottom to the receptacle, a series of baille plates within the bottom, a top to the receptacle, a series of bailie plates within the top and means for forcing a liquid against the baiile plates and through the device.

5. In a dyeing machine, in combination, a receptacle; a series of liber chambers within the receptacle each containing a foraminous bottom plate having inwardly extended members and a foraminous top plate having inwardly extended members, means for moving the one plate with respect to the other and for maintaining it in position, a foraminous plate spaced below the bottom plate, a foraminous plate spaced above the top plate; and means for passing a liquid through the device in either direction.

. 6. In a dyeing machine, in combination, a receptacle; a series of fiber chambers within the receptacle each containing a foraminous bottom plate having inwardly extended members and a foraminous top plate having inwardly extended members, means for moving the oneplate with respect to the other and for maintainingit in position, a foraminonsplate spaced below the bottom plate, a foraminous plate spaced above the top plate; a" bottom to the receptacle, a removable top to the receptacle and means for passing a lliquid in either direction through the device.

7. In a dyeing machine, in combination, a receptacle; a series of fiber chambers within the receptacle, each containing a foraminous bottom plate having inwardly extended members and a-foraminous top plate having inwardlyextended members, means for moving the one plate with respect to the other and fory maintaining` it in position, a foraminous plate spaced below the bottom plate, a foraminous plate spaced above the top plate; abottom tothe receptacle, a series of conduits for the introduction of a liquid into the bottom, a to to the receptacle, a series of conduits for tie introduction of a liquid into the top and means for forcing a liquid 'in either direction through the device.

of spaced toraminous plates within the test-` ing device similar to those in the larger device and means for passing a hquid `equally through the two devices in either direction. l

10. 1n a dyeing machine, in combination, a receptacle; a series oit fiber chambers with in 4the receptacle each containing two fixed toraminous bottom plates spaced from each other and two movable foraminous top plates spaced from each other, mea-ns for moving the top plates with respect to the bottom plates and for maintaining them in position.; a bottom to the receptacle, a series `ot conduits for the introduction ot a liquid into the bottom, a top to the receptacle, a series of conduits for the introduction ot a liquid into the top, a smaller testingkdevice, exterior to the larger device, a series of spaced foraminous plates within the testing device similarto those in the larger device and means for passing a liquid equally through the two devices in either direction.

11.111 a .dyeing machine, in combination, a receptacle; a series of fiber chambers within the receptacle each containing a for-aminous bottom plate having inwardly extended members and a foraminous top plate having inwardly extended members means for moving the one plate with respect to the other and for maintaining it in position, a toraminous plate spaced below the bottom plate, a oraminous plate spaced above the top plate; a smaller testing device, exterior to the larger device, a series of spaced toraminous plates within the testing device similar to those in the larger device and means for passing a, liquidequally through the two devices in either direction. i

12. In a dyeing machine, incombination, a receptacle; a-series of liber chambers within the receptacle each containing a :toraminous bottom plate having inwardly extended members and a to 'aminous top plate having inwardly extended members, means tor moving the one plate with respect to the other and for maintaining it in position, a toraminous plate spaced below the bottom plate, a :toramin'ous plate spaced above lthe top plate; a bot-tom to the ,receptacle, a series of Aconduits for the introduction of a. liquid into the bottom, a top to the receptacle, a series of conduits for the introduction of a liquid, a smaller testing device, exterior to the larger device, a series ot spaced foraminous plates within the testing device similar to those in the larger device and means for passing a liquid equally through the two devices in 'either direction. i

13. In a dyeing machine, in combination, a receptacle; a series ot fiber chambers within the receptacle each containing a foraininous bottom plate having inwardly extend ed members and a oraminous top plate having` inwardly extended members, means for moving the one iplate with respect to the other and for maintaining it in position, a -foraminous plate spaced below the bottom plate, a oraminous plate spaced above the top `plat-e; Va bottom to the receptacle, a series of conduits for the introduction of a liquid into the bottom, a top to the receptacle, a series of -conduits for the introduction et `a liquid into the top, a series of baille plates within the bottom, a series o balile plates within the top, a smaller testing "device, Vexterior to the larger device, a series ot' spaced toraminous plates within the testing device similar to kthose in the larger device and means for passing a liquid equally through the two devices in either direction. Y

Signed at New York city, in the county of NewA York and State of New York, this 15th day of October, 1917.

HO'WARD M. DUDLEY.

Copies of this patent `may be obtained for five cents each, `by addressing the Commissioner -of Patents, Washington, D. C. 

